There's been a long standing debate about whether or not bad timing actually exists. Some say the term is just another excuse for not wanting to date someone, but it's surprisingly a legitimate reason that the relationship can't happen at that time. Myself and several friends have had experiences where it was bad timing with someone we liked only to have things work out years later. So what happens when you're faced with a case of bad timing with a guy you're into? There are several things you can do so that you might be able to get something going again in the future when you get to a better place in your life.
Be honest
If it really is bad timing, tell your guy exactly that and tell him why it's just not the right time for the two of you to be together. Don't make promises for the future, but tell him that you hope things can eventually work out between the two of you. Don't say anything you don't mean, don't make excuses and make sure you're completely honest about your reasons.
Stay in touch
You don't have to completely cut ties with each other. Just because it's bad timing now doesn't mean it'll be that way forever. I know plenty of couples who parted ways due to bad timing, had occasional contact with each other and got back together later on. Stay in contact with each other even if that contact is minimal - a few texts here and there. Just make sure that both of you understand that just because you stay in contact doesn't mean you're currently still together.
Don't rush for things to be right
A couple of friends of mine knew it was bad timing, but wanted so badly for it to be the right time that they tried to rush things into place. The only thing it did was create a rough situation and set them back even further. Take your time to get everything in order with yourself before you make a change in your love life.
Don't be guilted into changing your mind
There are many who think telling someone it's bad timing is a lame excuse and an easy way out of telling someone the real reason you're not interested. Don't let your guy try to guilt you into changing your mind by making you feel like you're just making an excuse. I was in the same situation and I made the mistake of giving in. Make your decisions based on what you feel to be right, not on what someone else tells you is right.
Don't have expectations
Even if you currently want things to work out in the future, never have expectations that things are going to go the way you want. Forming expectations can only complicate matters and can increase the chances that one of you is going to end up with hurt feelings. Take your relationship day by day and let things happen naturally.
As badly as you want things to work out now, if you try to rush a relationship when it's not the right time, it's only going to cause damage to the two of you individually and as a couple. Take your time and let things work out the way they're supposed to.
More from Lauren R:
Positives that come from bad dates
Ways to make more time for sex
5 things guys do after a breakup
